Social Work (MSW) Preceptor

Thank you for considering University of Saint Joseph in your search.

About University of Saint Joseph:

The University of Saint Joseph, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, provides a rigorous liberal arts and professional education for a diverse student population in an inclusive environment that encourages strong ethical values, personal integrity, and a sense of responsibility to the needs of society.

The University has been recognized as a top national university in Connecticut by U.S. News & World Report's Best College Rankings including being the #1 Connecticut University in "Top Performers on Social Mobility," #2 Connecticut University in "Best Value Schools," and #3 Connecticut University in "Best National Universities."

Ideally situated midway between Boston and New York City, the beautiful 90-acre Olmsted-designed campus is one mile from West Hartford's thriving downtown, and provides an array of cultural events, occasions for spiritual development, and fitness and recreational options. The University also has an active presence outside our campus, reaching into the surrounding community through internships, community service projects, new program and partnerships.

At University of Saint Joseph, our mission statement profoundly resonates with our faculty and staff and serves as the foundation upon which our employment policy is built. We seek to attract, develop and retain individuals who are committed to our mission. We are committed to providing an environment where diverse talents, perspectives, experiences and contributions are recognized, and one that promotes the "growth of the whole person" with resources that enable employees to meet professional and personal life needs.

Job Description:

The University of Saint Joseph invites qualified applicants to serve as clinical preceptors within the Department of Social Work and Equitable Community Practice for the 2024-2025 Academic Year. The MSW preceptor is crucial to the success of a student’s overall learning experience by providing mentoring, instruction, professional guidance, practice supervision and oversight of the student’s practicum placement (aka field assignment). This also includes independently planning the day-to-day learning activities and assignments which comprise the practicum, and/or planning in tandem with an on-site task supervisor involved in the student’s learning. If the preceptor is not “on-site,” they must designate an on-site task supervisor who will be responsible for the day-to-day activities of the student.

This is a part-time, 2 or 3 semester position, with the following expectations:

• Provide a minimum of 1 hour of formal, regularly scheduled, individual supervision, 1 hour of formal, regularly scheduled group supervision, as well as opportunities for additional group supervision or instructional student shadowing.


• Attend monthly preceptor meetings.


• Conduct initial interviews with students for educational assessment and to provide information on the placement.


• Provide site, agency, and community orientation.


• Collaborate with the student, any task supervisors, and the Director of Field Education to develop an individualized learning contract that addresses CSWE competencies, MSW program outcomes, and student learning interests.


• Provide constructive feedback throughout the internship experience, including mid-year and end-of year grade recommendations, reviewed with both the student and the Field Education faculty.


• Develop, in conjunction with the Field Education team, a plan to address any identified performance concerns. 


• Assist students in integrating practicum learning with the broad signature perspective of the social work profession and course content.


• Review and approve weekly timesheets in Sonia.

• Participate in training sessions, orientations, workshops, and other meetings conducted by the Director of Field Education or other faculty as appropriate, in the Department of Social Work and Equitable Community Practice.

See Field Education Manual for more detailed policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work from a nationally accredited institution


• Valid licensure (LMSW, LCSW, LICSW) with a minimum of two years.


• Physical ability to perform essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experiential teaching experience strongly preferred.


• Current experience with client services in community settings such as behavioral health clinics, schools, child welfare agencies, residential treatment or care facilities, etc.


• Experience with telehealth technologies.

Additional Information:

• Preceptor faculty assignments are part-time, on a semester-by-semester basis only, and are dependent on student enrollment.

Compensation: 

• $2625 per student, per academic year. 


• $656 for summer semester student extension

 Application Instructions:

Persons interested in the above position should apply online.  Please submit:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae


• A cover letter addressing your specific subject area strengths, interests, and any applicable teaching experience. Please indicate in your cover letter if you have already communicated with a member of the Field Education team.

The Department Chairperson and Director of Field Education will review your application. If there is an opening, the department will contact you directly to discuss the specific opportunity. Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Saint Joseph as adjunct faculty (Preceptor).